CAT 2016: Exam Analysis Slot I

Nidhi Gupta

Dec 5, 2016 09:41 IST

CAT 2016

On 4th December 2016, lakhs of students sat for the CAT 2016 exam. All the students sat for the exam with high hopes and dreams in order to grab a seat in India’s top MBA institutes. In this article, we bring for you an analysis of the CAT 2016 exam that was conducted in Slot I.

The first slot of CAT 2016 was conducted during 9 AM to 12 PM. The exam takers gave the reviews that the level of difficulty of exam was moderate to tough. As per the exam takers, we were told that the CAT 2016 exam has the following mentioned bifurcation of MCQ and non-MCQ questions. As per the analysis, out of total 100 questions, 25 were non-MCQs or TITA questions.

CAT 2016 Exam Pattern (Slot 1)

Section

Total No. of Questions

No. of MCQs

No. of Non-MCQs

Duration

VARC

34

24

10

1 hour

DI & LR

32

24

8

1 hour

QA

34

27

7

1 hour

Total

100

75

25

3 Hours

In addition, we have also researched on the sectional analysis of the CAT exam. In all the three sections, i.e. Verbal and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability section, we have come up with the data of number of questions that were asked from each topic.

In the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section, the test takers mentioned that the level of questions was difficult and there was not much usage of the calculator to solve the questions. In addition, this section comprised of the least number of non-MCQ questions. The test takers also mentioned that there was 1 question in which they faced a typographical error. They expect the CAT conducting body to exclude that question from the final evaluation. In other questions, the image of Square Root sign resembled like a PI symbol.

Quantitative Ability Section Questions

Topic

No. of MCQs

No. of Non-MCQs

Total No. of Questions

Arithmetic

8

3

11

Numbers

4

1

5

Algebra

5

2

7

Geometry/Mensuration

8

8

Pure Math/CG

1

1

2

Venn Diagram

1

1

Total

19

7

34

Moving ahead, in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section, the exam takers mentioned that the level of difficulty was moderate to difficult. This was the trickiest section which consumed most of their time.

Topic

No. of MCQs

No. of Non-MCQs

Total No. of Questions

LR – Distribution/Arrangement

4

4

LR – Venn Diagrams

2

2

4

LR – Arrangement of files in folders

3

1

4

LR – Students using various Trains and the fares for the same

3

1

4

DI – Table (Student Pass percentages over 5 years)

3

1

4

DI – Comprehension

3

1

4

DI – Films, Launch, Completion, Release and Profits

3

1

4

DI – Table on Consumption of protein

4

1

4

Total

24

8

32

Finally, in the last section i.e. Verbal and Reading Comprehension, test takers mentioned that level of difficulty of these questions were easy to moderate. In order to crack this section, a strong base of vocabulary was mandatory. This section also carried highest number of non-MCQ/ TITA questions. TITA question does not invite any negative marking and hence, the exam takers were able to give answers without worrying much

Verbal and Reading Comprehension Questions

Topic

No. of MCQs

No. of Non-MCQs

Total No. of Questions

RC – Govt. and Poverty

3

3

RC – Education System

3

3

RC – Sustainable Economic Development

6

6

RC – Anthropology

6

6

RC – Status of Languages in 2115

6

6

Odd Para Jumbles

3

3

Para Jumbles

4

4

Para Summary/Essence of Passage

3

3

Total

24

10

34

Conclusion

As per this analysis, we expect that the expected cut-off in 2016 year might go low in comparison to last year (2015) because the level of difficulty of majority of the question was high. In the previous year, CAT exam takers who scored 180 marks were able to score 99 percentile, but the same cannot be expected in this year.

Further, there were a few changes in the marking scheme that were introduced by the conducting body (i.e. IIM Bangalore). This move led to panic and confusion among CAT exam takers. As per the CAT 2016 exam instruction that were provided in the beginning of CAT entrance exam, total marks were mentioned as 300. But in the end the overall marks were notified as 100. What happened next was something you should not miss out on.

Stay hooked for more updates on CAT 2016 exam.

The result of CAT 2016 is awaited followed by the GD and PI round. We advise you to start preparing for the WAT and PI round from now onwards to avoid the last minute rush and anxiety.

Important Dates for CAT 2016

Event

Date

Start of CAT 2016 Registration

8th August 2016

Last date of CAT 2016 registration

27th September 2016

CAT 2016 Application form changes

1st October 2016 – 5th October 2016

CAT 2016 Admit card download

24th October 2016 (1:00P.M. onwards)

CAT 2016 Online tutorial, sample test paper

Postponed (10-12 days)

CAT 2016 exam date

4th December 2016

CAT 2016 result

2nd week of January 2017

About CAT 2016

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a most coveted management entrance test which grants admission to top B-Schools in India which comprises of all the 20 IIMs as well. The other top rated B-school are FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMI, IMT, NITIE, JBIMS etc.